Incident Has North Island Main Gate On Lockdown

On Friday night, March 17, North Island Naval Air Station went under lockdown after a driver attempted to ram through the North Island main gate. 
At around 10:30 p.m. the individual, now identified as San Diego Sheriff Deputy Sergeant Michael Cruz, travelled Third Avenue at high speeds and attempted to drive through the entryway to the base.


According to a press release from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, Sgt. Michael Cruz was off duty at the time of the incident and attempted to go past the base's main gate without clearance, leading military guards to shoot at the car.


At this time, there are no reported injuries and Sgt. Cruz has been booked into San Diego Central Jail for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, violating Vehicle Code 23152(A).


In a press release, the Sheriff's Department stated, “He (Cruz) was booked and released on his own recognizance pending future court dates.” The statement continued, “The Sheriff's Department will not tolerate criminal behavior in its ranks and will hold employees accountable for their actions.”


Many local Coronado residents heard the shots from the base, including resident Carson Ricks; “I was actually asleep when the car went through the intersection,” said Ricks. “I woke up to close to 20 gunshots being fired. I didn't know what it was at first. I looked out the window, saw several sirens going off, and came down to see what it was all about.”


Currently, the main gate at Naval Air Station North Island remains closed. Those looking to access the base should use the First Street entrance.